As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Your skin is under constant threat from UV rays, as well blue light (smartphones and iPads, anyone?) and environmental toxins. Whatever parts of your body are covered, your face is nearly always exposed. UV rays cause wrinkles by damaging collagen and elastin (the structural framework of your skin), as well as causing unwanted, uneven pigment (solar lentigines, poikiloderma, to name a few). Worse yet, they can even cause DNA damage to skin cells, leading to actinic keratoses and skin cancers.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen will protect from UV rays, and should be worn every day, even in times of seemingly low exposure. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher; made of physical blockers like titanium and zinc, which deflect UV rays, rather than chemical blockers, which absorb those rays (but keep that energy close to the skin). And most importantly, choose one that you will wear!

Various screen covers and lenses can limit blue light, as can some skin care products (such as SkinMedica’s new Lumavive line). Blue light is a hot new topic, so expect to hear more from us on that subject in the future!

Antioxidants

Antioxidants help combat toxins, as they replenish the body’s ability to neutralize free radicals from oxidative stress (which is how toxins do their damage). Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants for skin and throughout the body; other important ones are retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin E, Niacinamide, Resveratrol, Coenzyme Q-10, Polyphenols, Flavonoids, and Glutathione. Look for products with any/all of these listed in the ingredients.

Botox

Botox can actually have a protective effect on the skin, as it relaxes facial muscles, which decreases mechanical stress on overlying skin (aka dynamic wrinkles).

Avoid

And, of course, there are things you should avoid: don’t smoke, avoid second-hand smoke, and limit dietary sugar and “factory fats” (trans- or hydrogenated fats). These all contribute to oxidative damage and accelerate aging, so avoid them as much as possible. [Bonus: avoidance of them is good for the rest of your body, as well!]

Whether you want to avoid sun damage, prevent signs of aging or simply look and feel your best, these skin protection tips can help you do so. To learn more about skin care products and treatments, contact us today at Matthesen Cosmetic Surgery.